Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Crowned the land where “Golden Meets Silver” Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a beautiful national park in Uganda, covering just 13 square miles, making it the smallest national park in the country, occupying the southwest corner where the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Congo meet in the peaks and valleys of the Virunga.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the second place to track mountain gorillas in Uganda and is the only national park in Uganda with a population of endangered golden monkeys. The park’s landscape encompasses three conical, extinct volcanoes. The montane-woodland, montane forest and large swathe of bamboo forests are a sanctuary to a large population of golden monkey, and only one habituated gorilla family – Nyakagezi Family.
Traditionally, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was used as an “over-flow” gorilla trekking destination for Bwindi, but for two reasons this has changed. The first is the increase in the cost of Rwandan gorilla permits to US$ 1,500 per person, prompting visitors to explore Rwanda and then cross the border to Mgahinga where gorilla trekking costs US$ 800 per person as of 2026. The second reason is that Mgahinga is a such a wonderful destination to visit on an Africa safari, it is situated so closely to Mutanda and Bunyonyi lakes where you can spend a week in the far southwest and save the rest of Uganda for a second trip.
In addition to gorilla trekking and golden monkey experiences, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an enchanting gorilla trekking destination. Day hikes and challenging guides are available to the summits of all three of the Virunga Volcanoes all accessible from Uganda: Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura.
Geography & Geology of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park comprises of three extinct volcanoes that form part of the Virunga Massif. The altitude ranges from 2,227m to 4,127m above sea level. The park has a size of 34 square kilometers and was gazetted as a protected area in 1930.
Temperatures in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park varies depending on altitude, but it varies 20 degrees Celsius during the night at the lower slopes. For every 1,000 metres increase in altitude, the temperature drops 6 degrees Celsius.
Flora & Fauna in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a relatively small protected area and much of the original Afro-montane forest has been lost to feeling and cultivation, but the biodiversity is still high. There are 76 recorded mammal species with the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys being the most charismatic. The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family – the only habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga is known for its previous tendency of moving between Uganda and Rwanda. The golden monkeys, these playful and distinctive primate species are found only in the Virungas with a population between 3,000 and 4,000, with about 60 being habituated to human contact in Mgahinga.
Other notable species in Mgahinga are black and white colobus monkeys, leopard, elephants, giant forest hog, bush pig, black-fronted duiker and cape buffaloes among others.
Birdlife in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to 115 bird species, including several localized forest specialists and 12 Albertine Rift Endemics. These birds include the Ibis, Pin-tailed Whydah, Speckled Mousebird, Stone Chat, Grey-capped Warbler, Wax Bills, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Firefinch, White-naped Raven, Black Kite, Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Coucal, Paradise Fly-catcher, Rwenzori Batis, Double-collared Sunbird, and Rwenzori Nightjar among others.
Uganda Safari Activities to Do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the second place to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, the guided gorilla treks lead you through lush forest to find the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in the wild. The duration of the treks varies depending on where the gorillas are that day. Once found, you will spend an unforgettable hour watching them groom, feed and interact in their natural surroundings.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only place in Uganda where you can do golden monkey trekking, these beautiful energetic primates live in bamboo forests at lower altitudes, making the trek easier. You will have one hour of being in their presence, as you watch them jump through trees, eat bamboo, and move in playful groups, giving you a great chance for close-up wildlife viewing.
Birding
With over 115 bird species, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a great destination for birding. Guided walks through forest trails and bamboo zones to spot colorful birds including the regal sunbird, Rwenzori batis, and handsome francolin among others. The gorge trail in Mgahinga between Gahinga and Sabinyo are the favorite spots for bird lovers.
Volcano Hiking Adventure
Hike one of the three Virunga Peaks in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park that is Gahinga, Sabinyo or Muhavura. The trail pass through beautiful forests and offer amazing views. At the top of Mount Sabyinyo, you can stand in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo at the same time.
Each hike in Mgahinga is unique and full of adventure.
Batwa Cultural Trail
The Batwa Cultural Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park takes you on a guided walk through the forest and learn about their way of life. On this trail you see how they hunted, made fire, used bamboo, and stored food in caves like Garama.
The Batwa Cultural Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park ends with stories, songs and dances that share their deep connection with the forest.
Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in Southwestern Uganda, approximately 14 km from the town of Kisoro on rough roads. From Kampala – the capital of Uganda where most safari to Mgahinga start from, it is a journey of approximately 510km and you can get there either by road or air transport.
By road: it is a journey of approximately 9-10 hours from Kampala to Mgahinga, around 8 hours to Kabale Town covering 434 km and there is more 76 km to Kisoro Town, this route is tarmacked and a bit mountainous and steep. There is an alternative of using a route from Kabale Town passing near the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi and joining again Kabale – Kisoro tarmac. From Kisoro to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, it is a journey of approximately 14 km to Ntebeko – the main park entrance.
Where to stay in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
There are several accommodations in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park ranging from budget, midrange to luxury, including
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Nkuringo Safari Lodge
- Travelers’ Nest Hotel
- Mgahinga Rest Camp
- Mountain Mgahinga Lodge
Best Time to Visit Mgahinga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be visited at any time of the year, however the dry months (June – September, December – February) are best for trekking. During these months there little rain, and the trails stay dry, making it easier to walk. In the rainy months ((March – May and November) the paths become muddy and slippery, but there are fewer visitors, and lodges may offer lower prices.
Also, the rainy season is great for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive.
